Countries Open to Travel from Americans

Almost 2 years since COVID-19 brought the world to a halt, several variants of the virus are now causing havoc around the world and affecting travel. Many Americans are craving being out and about in the world again and looking towards vacations abroad.

So where can you travel to right now as an American? Understandably so, a lot of countries are not open to Americans. The situation with COVID is ongoing and can change at anytime. As it changes for the better, more countries will become open to travelers from the U.S.

Several countries are open with restrictions, while a handful have no restrictions whatsoever on American travelers. While a country may be open for travel, it is your responsibility to determine if it is advisable and safe enough for you to visit. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the US State Department provide COVID risk assessments by country. It is advisable that you follow these recommendations when choosing to travel abroad during this time.

Most importantly starting January 26th, all air passengers, (U.S citizens included) aged two and older must show proof of a negative COVID test that's no more than 72 hours old to enter the United States. Alternatively, travelers may provide documentation from a licensed health care provider of having recovered from COVID in the 90 days preceding travel. Be sure to get information on testing sites in your destination for your return trip before you go. Several resorts offer free on-site testing. As a certified Independent Travel Agent, I can provide you with guidance on this should you need it.

As of Aug 8th 2021, below is an extensive list of countries (in alphabetical order) you can visit as a U.S. traveler.

Albania

Albania has no restrictions on US travelers, and there are no COVID-19 test requirements. Enhanced screening and quarantine measures should be expected. Travelers should be prepared for travel restrictions to be put into effect with little or no advance notice. The same can be said for every other country on this list.

Anguilla

To visit this Caribbean British territory, you must be fully vaccinated and preapproved by completing complete an online Health Questionnaire. You must provide a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 3-5 days prior to arrival date and must quarantine for 7 days on a arrival.

Antigua and Barbuda

Travelers arriving by air must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR (real-time polymerase chain reaction) test taken within seven days of arrival at the airport. This rule also applies to transiting passengers. Travelers also need to complete a Health Declaration Form 72 hours prior to departure. Unvaccinated travelers are subject to quarantine for 14 days.

Armenia

Travelers will need to complete a health questionnaire upon arrival and present a negative COVID-19 taken within 72 hours of arrival or a test can be taken on arrival. Travelers who get tested at the airport must remain under quarantine until they receive a negative result. Vaccinated visitors do not need to take a test.

Aruba

U.S. travelers are required to complete an online immigration (ED) card prior to travel and purchase mandatory COVID-19 health insurance. A negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours of arrival is required for entry and must be uploaded to the online ED card prior to travel. Vaccinated Americans who have the CommonPass Smart Health Card are except from testing.

The Bahamas

Travelers are required to complete an electronic health visa prior to travel. A negative COVID-19 PCR test taken no more than five days prior to travel must be uploaded to the health visa portal and presented upon arrival. For travelers staying longer than 4 nights/5 days, a second rapid antigen test must be taken on the 5th day of your stay. Vaccinated travelers are except from follow-up testing.

Bangladesh

A negative COVID-19 PCR test taken no more than 72 hours prior to travel must be presented upon entry. A 14 day quarantine is required even with negative test results.

Barbados

All travelers must complete an online Immigration/Customs Form 24 hours prior to travel. A negative COVID-19 PCR test taken no more than 72 hours prior to travel must be presented upon entry. Persons from High-Risk countries (the U.S. included) with a valid negative COVID-19 PCR test result must quarantine for 14 days with an option to take a second COVID-19 PCR test between 5-7 days of submitting the entry test. You will wear an electronic tracking bracelet during this time. If the second test is negative, travelers will be released from quarantine early.

Belarus

A negative COVID-19 PCR test taken no more than 72 hours prior to travel must be presented upon entry. U.S. travelers are among those required to quarantine for 10 days even with a negative test. You must also provide proof of insurance which covers COVID-19 medical costs.

Belize

U.S. travelers must download and follow the instructions presented on the Belize Health App. A negative COVID-19 PCR test taken no more than 96 hours prior to travel or a rapid test taken no more than 48 hours prior to arrival must be presented upon entry. If test results are not presented at entry, a test will be administered to the traveler for $50. Travelers who have been fully vaccinated at least 2 weeks before arrival do not need to test, and can present their vaccination card instead.

Bermuda

A negative COVID-19 PCR test taken no more than 5 days prior to travel must be presented upon entry. Prior to travel, travelers must also complete a Traveler Authorization Form online and pay a $75 fee for passengers 10 years and older, or $30 for passengers 9 years and younger. The fees include the cost of a second PCR COVID-19 test required for persons 10 years and older after entry into Bermuda. Travelers are required to quarantine until results of the second tests are ready. Even if a person is released from quarantine based on the second test results, additional tests are required on day 4, day 8, and day 14 of stay. Vaccinated travelers are except from quarantine and subsequent testing.

Bolivia

A negative COVID-19 PCR test taken no more than 72 hours prior to travel must be presented upon entry. A 10 day quarantine is also required for all travelers.

Bosnia & Herzegovina

A negative COVID-19 PCR test taken no more than 48 hours prior to travel must be presented upon entry. Vaccinated travelers need not test.

Botswana

A negative COVID-19 PCR test taken no more than 72 hours prior to travel must be presented upon entry.

Brazil

A negative COVID-19 PCR test taken no more than 72 hours prior to travel must be presented upon entry. A Travelers Health Declaration form must also be completed prior to entry.

Canada

Canada is open to vaccinated travelers. A negative COVID-19 PCR test taken no more than 72 hours prior to travel must be presented upon entry.

Cambodia

A negative COVID-19 PCR test taken no more than 72 hours prior to travel must be presented upon entry. A $2,000 deposit must be paid upon arrival at airports for additional mandatory COVID-19 testing and potential treatment services. You must also buy a $90 local health insurance package. Travelers must quarantine in official facilities/designated hotels while awaiting test results. If the second test is negative, the deposit will be returned minus $165 to cover the cost of the test. In the event one or more travelers on an arriving vessel/flight test positive, all passengers must undergo a 14-day quarantine at a location designated by Cambodian authorities. Such a scenario will carry serious financial consequences, as anything costing more than the aforementioned deposit will be paid by the positive traveler in question.

Colombia

Between 1 and 24 hours of flight arrival, travelers must fill out an online migration form to help with the pre-screening process. Testing is not required.

Costa Rica

All visitors must also complete a digital health pass 48 hours prior to arrival and purchase travel insurance that covers accommodation in case of quarantine and medical expenses due to COVID-19. Vaccinated travels are not required to have insurance. A COVID-19 test is not required for entry.

Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast)

A negative COVID-19 PCR test taken no more than 5 days prior to travel must be presented upon entry. Travelers must fill out an online Travel Declaration Form to help with the pre-screening process.

Croatia

A negative COVID-19 PCR test taken no more than 48 hours prior to travel is required for entry. Those who have been vaccinated or have recovered from COVID are exempt. An Arrival Form must also be filled out online prior to entry.

Curaçao

A negative COVID-19 PCR test taken no more than 72 hours prior to travel is required for entry. Those who have been vaccinated or have recovered from COVID are exempt. An Immigration Card must be completed online within 48 hours of departure.

Dominica

A negative COVID-19 PCR test taken no more than 72 hours prior to travel is required for entry. An electronic Immigration and Customs Form must also be completed online 24 hours before traveling.

Dominican Republic

A negative COVID-19 test is not needed for entry into the DR. DR border patrol will randomly give breath tests to at most 10% of passengers plus anyone showing symptoms of the virus. The Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism has began offering free viral antigen testing to all international visitors staying in hotels.

Ecuador

A negative COVID-19 PCR test taken no more than 72 hours prior to travel is required for entry. Vaccinated travelers or those who have recovered from COVID need not test.

Egypt

A negative COVID-19 PCR test taken no more than 96 hours prior to travel is required for entry. Health insurance for the duration of stay is also mandatory.

Ethiopia

A negative COVID-19 PCR test taken no more than 120 hours prior to travel is required for entry. In addition, a mandatory 7 day quarantine must be observed.

French Polynesia (Tahiti & Bora Bora)

Vaccinated travelers are allowed entry and must present a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken no more than 72 hours prior to travel. Three days before arrival, travelers must complete an E.T.I.S. Form online.

Ghana

A negative COVID-19 PCR test taken no more than 72 hours prior to travel is required for entry. A second COVID-19 test must be taken upon arrival at the cost of the traveler for $150. The fee for the second test must be paid online. Proof of payment must be shown to the airline prior to boarding.

Grenada

Only vaccinated travelers are allowed entry. Travelers must apply for a Travel Authorization with the Ministry of Health. A negative COVID-19 PCR test taken no more than 72 hours prior to travel is required for entry. Travelers must quarantine at their hotel until a second test is administered on day five. If the tests if negative, they are released from quarantine.

Guatemala

A negative COVID-19 PCR test taken no more than 72 hours prior to travel is required for entry. Vaccinated travelers do not need to test. Travelers who have had COVID within the last three months of arrival can present proof do not need to test. An online Health Questionnaire must also be completed prior to arrival.

Haiti

A negative COVID-19 PCR test taken no more than 72 hours prior to travel is required for entry.

Honduras

A negative COVID-19 PCR and/or Rapid test taken no more than 72 hours prior to travel is required for entry. A Precheck Form must be completed online. Vaccinated travelers need not test.

Ireland

Travelers must also complete Passenger Locator form online. A negative COVID-19 PCR taken no more than 72 hours prior to travel is required for entry. Regardless of results, a 14-day quarantine is mandatory with second test must be taken after 5 days. If negative, quarantine can be ended. Vaccinated travelers are exempted from quarantine and subsequent testing.

Jamaica

Travelers must obtain Travel Authorization online prior to travel to Jamaica. Applications will only be accepted within the 2 to 5 day window before the date of intended travel to Jamaica. A negative COVID-19 PCR test taken no more than 72 hours prior to travel presented upon arrival.

Kenya

A negative COVID-19 PCR test taken no more than 96 hours prior to travel is required for entry. A strict health screening must be undergone at the airport upon arrival.

The Maldives

A negative COVID-19 PCR test taken no more than 96 hours prior to travel is required for entry. Vaccinated travelers are exempt from testing.

Mexico

Health screenings should be expected at the airport upon entry to Mexico. No COVID-19 tests are required at this time. Self-quarantine is also not a requirement unless a traveler is seen to be exhibiting systems of COVID when undergoing a health screening at the airport.

Montenegro

A negative COVID-19 PCR test or positive antibody test taken no more than 72 hours prior to travel is required for entry. Vaccinated travelers need not test.

Morocco

A negative COVID-19 PCR test taken no more than 48 hours prior to travel is required for entry. You do not have to test if you are vaccinated.

Namibia

A negative COVID-19 PCR test taken no more than 7 days prior to travel is required for entry.

Nicaragua

A negative COVID-19 PCR or serology test taken within 72 hours of travel is required for entry.

Nigeria

A negative COVID-19 PCR test taken no more than 96 hours prior to travel is required for entry and must be uploaded to an online travel portal prior to arrival. A Health Declaration and Contact Form must also be completed via the online portal. A PCR test can be paid for online or upon entry and administered to the traveler if a test cannot be taken prior to departure.

Panama

A negative Covid-19 PCR or antigen test taken no more than 48 hours prior to travel, is required to visit Panama. A Health Affidavit must also be completed online.

Peru

A negative COVID-19 PCR test taken no more than 72 hours prior to travel is required for entry. A Health Affidavit must also be completed online.

Puerto Rico

A negative COVID-19 PCR test taken no more than 72 hours prior to travel is required for entry. Vaccinated travelers do not need to test.

Rwanda

A negative COVID-19 PCR test taken no more than 72 hours prior to travel is required for entry. A second test is administered upon entry and travelers are required to self-quarantine at their own cost until negative test results are available (within a day). To enter a national park, you must present a negative test result less than 72 hours old.

St. Bart’s

As of February 2, 2021, St. Bart's is closed to tourism. Travel is permitted for an overriding personal or family reason, an emergency health reason or a professional reason that cannot be postponed. Vaccinated travelers do not have to test. Unvaccinated travels will be required to quarantine for 7 days.

St. Lucia

A negative COVID-19 PCR test taken no more than 5 days prior to travel is required for entry. Travelers must also complete a Pre-Arrival Travel Registration Form to ensure efficient and expedited processing on arrival. You must also have have confirmed reservations at a COVID-certified property for the duration of the trip.

St. Maarten/St. Martin

A mandatory Health Authorization Application must be completed online prior to travel. A negative COVID-19 PCR test obtained from a naso-pharyngeal swab only within no more than 72 hours prior to travel is required for entry.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines

A negative COVID-19 PCR test taken no more than 72 hours prior to travel is required for entry. A Pre-Arrival Form must also be completed online.

Senegal

All travelers 2 years and older must present a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken no more than 5 days prior to travel.

Serbia

A negative COVID-19 PCR test or antigen test taken no more than 48 hours prior to travel is required for entry.

South Korea

A negative Covid-19 PCR taken no more than 72 hours prior to travel, is required. U.S travelers are subject to a mandatory 14 day quarantine even with negative test results. Health screenings should be expected at the airport.

Tanzania

Travelers are required to fill out a Health Surveillance form on any form of transport into the country and submit them to Port Health authorities upon arrival. A negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of arrival is required.

Turkey

A negative Covid-19 PCR taken no more than 72 hours prior to travel, is required. Travelers will be required to complete an information form and will be checked for symptoms. Vaccinated travelers need not test.

Turks and Caicos

Travelers must fill out a Travel Authorization Form online. A negative COVID-19 PCR test taken no more than 5 days prior to travel is required for entry. Test results must be submitted online along with a completed Health Questionnaire. Medical insurance to cover any COVID-19 related costs is also required.

Ukraine

U.S. travelers will need to download a health app before arrival, have proof of insurance that covers COVID-19 for the duration of their stay. Vaccinated travels need not test. For unvaccinated travelers, a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken no more than 96 hours prior to travel is required for entry.

United Arab Emirates

Travelers to the UAE must complete a Health Declaration Form before departure to confirm they have no coronavirus symptoms. A negative COVID-19 PCR test taken no more than 96 hours prior to travel is required for entry.

United Kingdom

A negative COVID-19 PCR test taken no more than 72 hours prior to travel is required for entry. A second test must be done by the second day of stay.

US Virgin Islands

U.S. travelers coming from a state that has higher than a 10% infection rate must also upload a negative COVID-19 PCR test no older than 5 days prior to travel to an online health screening system. Travelers who do not upload a test before arrival will face a mandatory 14 day quarantine.

Zambia

A negative COVID-19 PCR test taken no more than 14 days prior to travel is required for entry.

I hope you've found the above information helpful for your travel plans. As a certified Independent Travel Agent, I can help you easily navigate the somewhat tricky waters of any upcoming trips you may have during this unusual time in our world, and ensure you don't skip over any requirements set forth by your intended destination. Reach out to me whenever you're ready for some expert guidance on your next adventure!